KAMIL:
For more than three decades, Intel Corporation has
developed technology enabling the computer and Internet revolution
that has changed the world. Founded in 1968 to build semiconductor
memory products, Intel introduced the world's first microprocessor in
1971. Today, Intel supplies the computing and communications
industries with chips, boards, systems, and software building blocks
that are the "ingredients" of computers, servers and
networking and communications products. These products are used by
industry members to create advanced computing and communications
systems. Intel's mission is to be the preeminent building block
supplier to the Internet economy.

PAGE:Intel basically cater to the developed economies, what role is
it playing in Pakistan?

KAMIL:
Intel Pakistan has played a tremendous role in facilitating the
growth of the industry from spreading IT awareness in the country to
enabling the market to supporting the industry by providing leading
edge technology products to the local market at the same time when
they are made available internationally.A case in point is when the Pentium 4 was launched in Pakistan
in November 2000, the first Pentium 4 processor based system in Asia
Pacific was sold in Lahore. This goes to show not just market
readiness for the latest technology but also the level of enthusiasm.
Intel also has put in a lot of efforts to overcome barriers that were
hindering the growth of Information Technology in the country.

To
date, Intel Pakistan has hosted sundry interactive workshops,
seminars, exhibition and other events which reflect our aim of
promoting IT awareness in every corner of the four provinces of
Pakistan.Intel has also
played a prominent role in establishing a solid educational foundation
by providing technical assistance and consultancy services to tertiary
and non-tertiary institutes in terms of procurement of consultancy
which include advising them on the desktop and server architecture as
well as the networking infrastructure. In May 2002, our education
initiative 'Intel Teach to the Future' was launched and to date over
30,000 public and private school teachers have been trained in
deploying IT in their daily curriculum and henceforth enhance the
student's learning curve. Intel's active participation in the
educational front is in an ongoing process.

PAGE:
How do you evaluate the use of IT in core industries in Pakistan?

KAMIL:
People and business entities in Pakistan have been using
computers for more than quarter of a century. Personal Computers
brought a revolution and now they are part of global quest for
e-commerce. They use ATMs, online banking, credit and debit cards and
market their products and services through websites. All these
activities are the fruits of deployment of IT in core business
activities. Use of IT has made 24-hours banking possible. However, a
lot more has to be done to bring Pakistan at the level of developed
economies.

PAGE:
Many people still believe that deployment of IT is an expensive
proposal?

KAMIL:
It may look expensive on the surface, however, business
entities who have deployed technology confirm that they are able to
optimize cost, reduce wastage, serve their clients better by making
timely decisions. The ultimate benefit is improvement in profit
margins and better return on investment. The savings made are far
greater than the investments made in technology. For example use of
ATMs and cards have improved deposits of banks, reduced customer
traffic at branches and made 24-hours banking possible. Another
example is payment of utility bills through ATMs.

PAGE:
Does deployment of technology really helps in optimizing costs?

KAMIL:
Profitability of any business entity is the outcome of a
number of activities. If the management is able to improve
productivity and efficiency and contain wastage the margins enhances.
With the advent of globalization, competition is getting fiercer and
the only way possible to remain competitive is optimization of cost.
Cost cutting approach may not be a prudent decision. Cost optimization
is a desired approach. Cost optimization can be achieved through
better inventory management and optimum purchase order size.
Similarly, production schedules can be altered to meet the demand.
Availability of accurate and up to date data helps in making informed
decisions. Not enough emphas is can be laid on how important is the
deployment of the right IT solution for cost optimization.

PAGE:
Acute shortage of IT professionals is a problem in Pakistan. Is Intel
doing any thing to overcome this impediment?

KAMIL:
Pakistan has a very skilled workforce and there is no
shortage of talent in Pakistan. However, the talent has to be brewed
further so that our workforce meets the international benchmark. The
public sector needs to play a critical role in harboring and brewing
Pakistan's talent and the right opportunities need to be provided.

To
date we have trained over 30,000 teachers enabling them to adopt
technology as a key tool in enhancing student learning. Hopefully our
efforts at the grass root level will contribute to a stronger
foundation for the generations of tomorrow.